Mandy - 12ply moss stitch beanie

Mandy 12ply Moss Stitch Beanie by Jennifer Lee

What is Being Made

The Mandy beanie is a warm and cosy knitted hat designed by Jennifer Lee. This downloadable knitting pattern produces a classic beanie suitable for multiple sizes, ranging from Age 2-5 through to Lady sizing. The finished beanie fits head circumferences from 52cm (20½ inches) for the smallest size up to 56cm (22 inches) for the Lady size. This versatile hat design makes it an ideal project for creating gifts or wardrobe staples for various age groups and family members.

Craft and Techniques

This is a knitting project worked entirely in double moss stitch, a fundamental textured stitch pattern that creates a reversible, bumpy fabric with excellent drape and warmth. Double moss stitch is formed by alternating knit and purl stitches in a specific sequence across rows, creating a consistent, professional-looking texture throughout the entire beanie. The pattern is rated as Easy difficulty, making it accessible to knitters with basic to intermediate experience. The straightforward stitch pattern means knitters can work through the project without complex shaping or intricate stitch variations, though the pattern does include standard techniques such as casting on, increasing, decreasing, and sewing seams to finish the hat.

Stitches Used

• Double moss stitch – the primary stitch throughout the entire beanie, worked by alternating knit (K) and purl (P) stitches in a repeating pattern across rows
• Knit stitch (K) – basic knit stitches that form part of the double moss stitch pattern
• Purl stitch (P) – basic purl stitches that form part of the double moss stitch pattern
• Increase (inc) – used to shape the beanie as needed
• Decrease (dec) – used to shape and finish the crown of the beanie

Materials and Specifications

The Mandy beanie is designed to be worked in 12ply worsted weight yarn. The pattern specifies Panda Magnum 12ply yarn, with each 100g ball providing 185 metres of yardage. Only 1 ball of yarn is required to complete any of the four sizes, making this an economical project. Knitters will need a pair of 5.50mm knitting needles (UK size 5, US size 9) to work the pattern at the specified tension. A wool needle is also required for sewing up and finishing the seams of the completed beanie. The pattern notes that yarn quantities may vary slightly depending on individual knitter tension and the specific yarn type used, so knitters should monitor their yardage as they work.

Tension and Sizing

The pattern specifies a tension of 16 stitches and 26 rows to 10cm (4 inches) measured over double moss stitch using 5.50mm needles. Achieving the correct tension is important for ensuring the finished beanie fits the intended head circumference. The pattern provides four distinct sizes with corresponding stitch counts: Age 2-5 (77 stitches), Age 6-10 (79 stitches), Teen (81 stitches), and Lady (83 stitches), allowing knitters to customise the project for their intended recipient.